Chapter 119 Evelyn Deals with Debra
Evelyn's long lashes fluttered, goosebumps forming on her pale skin.
"How'd you know I wear size 6 shoes?"
Edward kept his cool. "Just a guess. They look small."
Evelyn's feet, snug in slippers, curled up in embarrassment. She scoffed, "Men always have wandering eyes and hands."
Edward stayed silent. 'I didn't tell her the truth. I knew her shoe size because I explored Riverside Villa after she left, like a treasure hunt. I found out she hoarded snacks like a little hamster, mostly chocolate. I knew her usual perfume was Serge Lutens' La fille de Belin. I used to think the spicy, cold scent didn't suit her, but I was wrong; it fit her perfectly. I knew she wore size 6 shoes because her white sneakers were still on the rack, like she might come back any moment.'
'She once said I never really understood her. So, I wanted to start understanding her this way.'
They barely spoke during the two-hour drive.
The Ferrari pulled into Riverside Villa and stopped at the gate.
Edward unbuckled his seatbelt first and leaned toward Evelyn.
Evelyn, expecting trouble, blocked him with her arm, eyes cold. "I don't need your help. I can do it myself."
But Edward, quick as ever, wrapped his arm around her waist and unbuckled her seatbelt.
"You're welcome."
Evelyn's eyes widened. 'How did he move so fast? I didn't even notice! Ulysses once said Edward could assemble a gun in eight seconds. Fooling my eyes was too easy for him.'
Edward and Evelyn walked into Riverside Villa, and the news spread among the servants like wildfire.
"Oh my God! Did Edward bring Mrs. Wellington back?!"
"It really is Mrs. Wellington! She's so beautiful! How could Edward divorce her?!"
"What do we call her now? Mrs. Wellington or Ms. Brown? This is confusing."
"Call her Ms. Brown. If Nicole hears us call her Mrs. Wellington, we'll be in trouble when she marries in!"
"You're right. Nicole isn't as kind as Ms. Brown."
The gossip reached Edward's ears, his eyes darkening. He glanced at Evelyn.
She heard it too but acted indifferent, which made him even more uncomfortable. "Where are my things?"
"They're still in your room, in the same place," Edward replied.
"You knew I was coming to get them today, and you didn't prepare them? How lazy are you?" Evelyn muttered, frowning.
"Those are your cherished things. I didn't want to move them carelessly," Edward said, looking deeply at her.
'Maybe men are naturally masochistic. When Evelyn was obedient, I didn't care. Now, like a thorny rose, her every word hurts me. But I want to understand her more.' Evelyn avoided his gaze. "So what now? Should I go up to get them, or will you have someone pack them and bring them down?"
Just then, his phone rang.
Edward remembered he had an important call. "I need to take this. I'll be back in a bit," he said apologetically.
"Go ahead."
Once Edward left, Evelyn finally exhaled, her nerves unwinding.
'The whole trip was so awkward. When I was his wife, I tried everything to be alone with him, but he always turned his back on me. Now, he personally drove to Hameen to pick me up, got me high heels, and helped with my seatbelt, acting like a perfect husband. But it just felt weird and uncomfortable, like ants crawling up my leg.'
Belated kindness is like expired food—no sweetness, just a sour taste.
Evelyn pulled out her phone and called William. "William, I'm at Riverside Villa in Mugden. Can you come get me?"
"What?!" William was shocked. "How did you end up there?!"
"It's a long story. Just come over, and I'll explain."
After hanging up, Evelyn headed upstairs, wanting to pack her clothes first so she could leave as soon as William arrived.
Her old room wasn't far from Molly's. She'd heard Molly had taken a break from school and was staying home, so she thought she'd check on her.
As Evelyn neared Molly's room, she heard Debra's sharp voice inside.
"You little brat! What did you do with Mr. Clark at Grandpa's party?! Spill it!"
"Nothing, Debra, nothing," Molly's tearful voice was heartbreaking.
"You're lying!"
Debra's anger flared. "After drinking, how could you have done nothing with him? And where did those red marks on his neck come from?!"
"I really don't remember!"
Then came the sound of a vase shattering. Evelyn's eyes reddened, and she clenched her fists, kicking the door open with a bang, startling Debra.
"It's you?!" Debra barely reacted before something flew at her—a slipper hitting her square in the face!
The next second, another slipper followed, hitting her again!
Debra's nose turned red, her eyes filled with stars, and even her forehead had a shoe print, making her look ridiculous.
She covered her forehead, pointing at Evelyn, too angry to even curse.
"Such filthy language," Evelyn said, tilting her head with a smile that was both stunning and intimidating.
"Lily," Molly trembled in the corner, tears streaming down her face as she saw Evelyn.
"Evelyn! You crazy woman!" Debra gritted her teeth, her face stinging from the hits. The slipper's impact was worse than a slap. "Don't think you're so great just because you're from the Taylor family. I'm not inferior to you! You hit me today, and I won't let you off!"
"You better keep your word, or I'll need a reason to hit you again," Evelyn said, not taking her seriously, her eyes filled with cold mockery. "Knowing nothing but bullying Molly, you're really a piece of work."
Debra screamed in anger, lunging at Evelyn.
Evelyn watched Debra reveal her true colors, shaking her head in disgust.
She really didn't want to get her hands dirty.
Just as Debra's claws were about to touch Evelyn, a strong hand grabbed her wrist.
"Ah, it hurts!" Debra winced in pain, bending over.
Evelyn felt Edward's strong presence behind her and turned to look.
Coincidentally, Edward was also looking at her.
Their eyes met suddenly.
Evelyn wasn't sure if she was imagining it, but she seemed to catch a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Did she hurt you?" Edward asked, looking down at her with his cold eyes, his tone filled with unprecedented concern.
